A NURSERY nurse with a fear of heights has completed a skydive in memory of her airman father.
Ceri Lister, from Consett, lost her father Kevin Fannan to B Cell lymphoma and was helped with funeral costs by the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Her father served 12 years in the RAF and the 29-year-old has now completed a daredevil dive to help raise £1700 for the charity which offered help when she needed it.
Mrs Lister said: “I’m scared of heights and scared of flying so thought a skydive was perfect, as people wouldn’t expect me do it.
“It took about six months of organising and now I’m sad it’s over – it was absolutely amazing.”
She added: “Dad had always had life insurance but due to a missed payment when he was in hospital, it became invalid.
“We couldn’t afford to pay for the funeral as I had just got married, a wedding which my dad couldn’t attend as he was too ill.
“It was a time my world changed, within those six weeks I gained my prince and lost my king - it may sound corny but it’s true.
“The RAF Benevolent Fund came to see us about what the charity could do.”
She explained: “Beforehand I had never heard of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and that was another reason why I wanted to raise awareness.”
As well as the skydive, she organised a charity night and has so far raised more than £1,700.
Natasha Jones, RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Fundraiser said: “Ceri should be immensely proud of everything she has achieved not only with the fundraising but her skydive as well – I’m sure her father would be full of pride.
“We’re so grateful for all of Ceri’s effort, dedication and enthusiasm.
To support the fund raising campaign, please visit justgiving.com/fundraising/ceri-lister2.
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